I don't need a drink per-se, but drink way over the recommended amount and usually get restless in the evening without a drink.

To stay off the whisky today, I've had a bottle of red, drunk over the afternoon. However, as per usual (and not common with other drinks afaik), I tend to get really hot/flushed by my 4th glass, or so.

A bottle of wine spread out over an afternoon leading to unconsciousness is a sign that you're really not cut out for alcoholic drinks.

Also, the slightest hint of anything alcoholic with a syrup-like texture (e.g. Southern Comfort, Drambuie) gives me the hot flushes/red cheeks. I guess some people are just intolerant to some kinds of alcohol.

It's great to be judged by the EarnestTrackWorld members isn't it? I LOVE some of the open mindedness on here. Str - it sounds like an allergy to something in the wine, maybe a preservative. I get the same thing when i drink cider. My brother gets a rash when he drinks Jennings ale strangely enough, it only happens when he drinks that though.

I'm sure others have mentioned this, but red wine normally contains sulphites to sterilise it, which some people have a reaction to.

Try an organic red wine and see if it happens with that.
<self-righteous> Oh, and drink less - after a while you get the same effect without as many side effects (eg hotness and dying)</self-righteous>